In which year was the 13.5th generation Crown launched?
3 Answers
The Crown 13.5 was launched in July 2012. Dimensions of the 13th generation Toyota Crown: The domestically produced 13th generation Crown was actually based on the overseas Crown MAJESTA model. Compared to the overseas MAJESTA, the domestic Crown further upgraded its dimensions, with a length, width, and height of 5005mm × 1810mm × 1500mm, representing increases of 150mm, 30mm, and 20mm respectively compared to the previous generation domestic Crown. The wheelbase reached 2925mm, which is 75mm longer than the previous generation domestic Crown. Powertrain of the 13th generation Crown: In terms of powertrain, the domestically produced 13th generation Crown retained the 2.5L and 3.0L engines from the previous domestic Crown. The 2.5L engine delivers a maximum power of 193 horsepower and a maximum torque of 236 Nm; the 3.0L engine produces a maximum power of 227 horsepower and a maximum torque of 293 Nm. Additionally, the 4.3L engine variant was recalibrated for the domestic market, offering a maximum power of 282 horsepower and a maximum torque of 420 Nm. All engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the four-wheel-drive version was not introduced to the domestic market.
I've always been a car enthusiast, and I remember vividly that the mid-cycle facelift of the 13th-generation Toyota Crown was launched in 2012, commonly referred to as the '13.5 generation'. Back in 2012, I was still in college, constantly tracking new car updates online. Toyota officially released it that spring, featuring improved exterior design with a sharper front fascia and upgraded safety systems, including the addition of blind-spot monitoring. The launch garnered significant attention in Japan because while the Crown series targets the premium market, this iteration attracted many younger buyers. At the time of release, the media described it as a slightly optimized version of the standard 13th-gen model, offering a more stable driving feel. Looking back, it's been over a decade since 2012—time flies—but the launch year is correct: it was indeed 2012.
As a long-time Crown owner who has driven multiple generations, I can confirm that the mid-cycle refresh of the 13th generation was indeed launched in 2012. I purchased the initial 13th-gen model in 2009, and during a 2012 service visit, the dealer recommended the updated version, calling it a 'half-generation' update. That year, Toyota primarily optimized the engine and suspension systems, improving noise insulation for a quieter cabin. I recall it debuted in early 2012 in the Japanese market, with several friends considering upgrading. The Crown brand maintains strong reliability, and this facelift preserved quality while adding smart navigation features. Overall, 2012 was a pivotal launch year with stable sales amid favorable economic conditions.